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How to open your N26 bank account

Life isn’t always easy, but banking should be.

4 min read

We’ve all been there: you head to the bank on your lunch break, and wind up waiting in a massive queue. Waiting can feel like a major waste of time, which is why we’ve done our best to eliminate queues for good. We’re N26—the 100% mobile bank. Access your finances directly from your smartphone, any time, anywhere. Open your account today in minutes, and say goodbye to waiting in the queue.

Your step-by-step guide to opening your new account

Got your smartphone and your valid ID on hand? WiFi is working? Then you’re ready to go! Here’s how to open your N26 account:

  1. Get the app: Go to your app store, look up N26 and download the mobile app.
  2. Create your account: Enter your name, personal details, and address and confirm. No worries, your details are safe with us. We are a fully licensed European bank and have a wide variety of security measures in place to protect both your account and your data.
  3. Choose your plan: Choose our free bank account or one of our premium plans. Can’t decide? You can always upgrade to a different plan later if you want.
  4. Verify your identity: Now, it’s time for a quick video call with us. This lets us verify your identity by checking your ID, just like what would happen in a physical branch.
  5. Pair your smartphone: Once verified, you can pair your account with your smartphone and log in via biometric authentication. This is just one of our many security features to protect your account from fraud and improper use.
  6. Start spending and saving: Top up your balance instantly with Giropay, credit card, debit card, or CASH26. Connect your virtual N26 debit Mastercard to Google Pay or Apple Pay and start using it right away. You’ve ordered a physical card or chosen a premium account? Your physical Mastercard debit card will arrive by mail within a few days.

All set up? Read on to learn more about our bank account switching service, how to use your virtual Mastercard, and some of the innovative features you’ll get access to as an N26 customer. 

The bank you’ll love

No paperwork, no hidden fees, no hassle. Just 100% mobile banking that works beautifully.
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Switch bank accounts in minutes

Switching banks might seem time-consuming at first. That’s why we teamed up with Finleap Connect to offer an account switching service that is fast, easy-to-use and completely free of charge.

With our free account switching service, easily move over all your existing standing orders for direct debits (e.g. rent, utilities) from your old account to N26. Simply follow the steps below:

  1. Create your N26 account using the mobile app or WebApp
  2. Tap on “Switch to N26” under “My account” or visit our account switching website
  3. Select which standing orders, SEPA direct debits and incoming payments you want us to transfer to your new account
  4. Confirm, lay back, and relax!

Find more info on our free account switching service here.

Pay and withdraw cash with your virtual Mastercard

You don’t need to hold your N26 Mastercard debit card in your hand to enjoy all its benefits. Your virtual Mastercard works right from your smartphone. Pay with it online, in apps, and in stores. You can even use it to withdraw cash at contactless ATMs. Simply add your virtual card to Apple Pay or Google Pay and check out with just a tap of your smartphone.

It’s time to top up

When joining N26, top up your new account via bank transfer or instantly by credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, CASH26, or Giropay. That way, you can make the most of your new account right away.

Want to learn more about topping up with N26? Then head over to this Support Center article to find out everything you need to know.

The bank account that gives you more control

Spend and save with confidence, and discover a better way to manage your money
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More than just a bank account 

N26 is the bank account you’ll love. Opening your account isn’t the only process we’ve made ultra simple. Organize your money like a pro with N26 Spaces—create up to 10 sub-accounts that sit alongside your main account. Give each one a unique name and savings goal, and start setting aside money right away. Or, try Shared Spaces to manage money with others. Perfect for roommates, big families, or group getaways. 

What’s more, our on-demand insurance helps protect what you love. And as an N26 You and N26 Metal customer you’ll benefit from premium travel insurance for extra peace of mind when travelling the world. Discover the plan that’s right for you today.

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